Tamangs preserving traditional instruments in Ilam

By Prem Adhikari,Pashupatinagar (Ilam), Jan. 28: Deepak and Padam Tamang of Phakphokthum of Ilam are now busy making Damphu (drum) and Tungna (guitar), which are directly related to the culture of the Tamang community. 

They have started making Damphu and Tungna using local resources at Kolbote, Phakphokthum. 

One local, Padam Tamang, said, “The new generation has forgotten their customs and culture, so we have started making the traditional instruments to teach them our traditions and cultures.” 

Currently, the people of the Tamang community in Suryodaya Municipality, Deumai Municipality  Phakphokthum Rural Municipality are engaged in making the two instruments.  

The Tamang community is preparing to launch a campaign to revive their cultural practices after marking Sonam Lhosar in Ilam Bazaar on Jan      ary 30.  

Preparations have been made to display 100 Damphus and 10 Tungnas during the Sonam Lhosar celebration, according to Ishwari Tamang, the secretary of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association District Coordination Committee, Ilam. 

On the occasion of the 2861st New Year, which is the Year of the Snake, the Tamang community in Ilam is set to launch a cultural revival campaign to preserve their traditions and culture, added Tamang. “With modernity, the Tamang community has forgotten its own identity. That’s why, a campaign has been launched for its preservation,” said Tamang. 

Dawa Tamang, the Chairman of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association District Coordination Committee, Ilam, informed that on that day, the Tamang community, adorned in their traditional attire along with Damphu and Tungna from the 10 municipalities of the Ilam district will celebrate the New Year and launched a cultural awakening campaign. 

Tamang community in Ilam has a population of around 20,000.